That could've also been thanks to a lozenge that Pink was seen spitting out seconds before she started singing. Many viewers assumed that she threw out a piece of chewing gum before Pink tweeted: "It was throat lozenge."

Before the performance, Kelly Clarkson said she wasn't not worried about Pink nailing the anthem despite having the flu.

When asked if she would fill in for Pink if needed, Clarkson said, "I don't think Pink will need anybody to fill in for her. Even Pink with the flu is still hands down one of the best vocalists of our generation."